The day after I was introduced to three of the Phantasm King’s executives—Gluttony-san, Astaroth-san, and Nia-san—I spent my time taking a leisurely stroll through the city.
The remaining Ten Demons on my list were Lilim-san, Phoenix-san, and Tiamat-san. Since I was still waiting for Chris-san to confirm her schedule regarding the first of them, Lilim-san, today was essentially a brief intermission.
Naturally, I had kept Lilia-san in the loop about all of this. If I were to casually mention later that I’d been introduced to every single one of the Six Kings' executives without warning, she would undoubtedly be furious. It was better to give her a heads-up.
Lilia-san had looked at me with a somewhat distant, glazed-over expression, though a hint of relief eventually flickered across her face. "...Well, I suppose just knowing who you're going to meet in advance is a mercy to my stomach," she sighed.
Reflecting on my meetings with the first three, I realized I needed to rethink my choice of souvenirs. Fortunately, everything had gone well so far, but it occurred to me that there might be some members who didn't consume food or drink. I decided it would be wise to prepare something other than just boxes of sweets.
My plan was to have a variety of items ready. Then, before being introduced, I could ask about the person’s preferences and decide which gift would be most appropriate.
With that goal in mind, I headed out to do some shopping. It didn't take long at all, and once I was finished, I spent the rest of my time lightly exploring the capital.
Even though I’ve lived in the Sinfonia Royal Capital for over a year now, there are still countless places I’ve never seen. Sometimes, just stepping off the main thoroughfare and taking a side street is enough to reveal a completely unfamiliar landscape.
As I wandered down a path I’d never traveled before, I stumbled upon a small park. It was tiny—so small it didn't even have benches. It felt more like a vacant lot than anything else, but a sign near the entrance clearly labeled it as a "Park."
The area was deserted. I basked in the strange, pleasant sensation of discovering a hidden gem in the heart of the city. On a whim, I stepped inside, only to be instantly rendered speechless by the sight before me.
It was... a dance of incredible beauty. In the center of the park, a woman with hair the color of a transparent, crystalline sky was dancing with ethereal grace.
She was dressed in a dancer’s outfit—a sheer, see-through fabric draped over what looked like a swimsuit. Standing at roughly five foot two, she continued her rhythmic, light-footed steps, seemingly either unaware of my presence or perhaps so focused on her art that she chose not to acknowledge me.
Small bells attached to various parts of her clothing chimed melodiously with every movement. As she twirled, the sunlight caught her accessories, making her appear as though she were wreathed in shimmering, sparkling light.
I wouldn't claim to be an expert on the performing arts, but even I could recognize that her dance was something extraordinary. Despite her revealing attire, I felt no stirrings of impurity; I was simply captivated, struck by a sense of pure, unadulterated beauty.
There was no music playing. It was just an ordinary park, yet she possessed an allure that commanded the eye, making it feel as if she were performing on a grand stage under a brilliant spotlight.
I stood there for a while, completely mesmerized. When it seemed the performance had finally reached its conclusion, I reflexively broke into applause.
"……?"
"Ah, s-sorry. It was just such a beautiful dance... like you were flying through the sky. I couldn't help myself."
At the sound of my clapping, the woman turned toward me. Her eyes were a deep marine blue, several shades darker than her hair. She tilted her head curiously, but after hearing my apology, a small, faint smile played across her lips.
"Gratitude... in other words, thank you for the lovely praise."
"Ah, no, it was my pleasure..."
"Curiosity... in other words, there is something strange. Passing through the barrier... in other words, I had placed a barrier around the park, so how did you enter?"
"A barrier?"
"Unaware... in other words, did you pass through it without realizing? Unique magic power... in other words, I sense magic power similar to that of an Otherworlder. One candidate... based on these conditions, I have an idea of who you are."
She had a remarkably unique way of speaking. Like Shiro-san, her expression remained largely unchanged, giving her a cool, analytical air.
"Conclusion... in other words, am I correct in assuming you are Kaito Miyama?"
"I am... but how do you know my name?"
"Heard rumors... in other words, I have heard stories about you. Multiple sources... in other words, I have heard of you from various places, but most frequently from a friend. First Fairy King... in other words, the primary source was information from a fairy named Razulia."
"Wait, you're an acquaintance of Raz-san?"
"Not directly... in other words, Razulia and I are merely acquaintances; we don't speak often. Friend of a friend... in other words, my fairy friend is close with Razulia, and I heard the stories through them."
"I-I see..."
So she was a friend of a friend of Raz-san. Knowing how incredibly wide Raz-san’s social circle was, that explanation made perfect sense.
"Well, you may already know this, but I'm Kaito Miyama. Um, if you don't mind, could I ask for your name as well?"
"Shock... in other words, I am very surprised. Being asked my name... in other words, is this the Rumored 'Proposal'?"
"………………Excuse me?"
What did she just say? I was certain I’d heard her correctly, but the words made absolutely no sense.
Lilia: "...Why?! Why does this always happen?! You said you’d meet them in order! You said you were only meeting the Ten Demons first! That's what you told meeeeeeeeeeee!"